By Alicia Draus

Christmas lights bring holiday cheer to Hatters

Dec 19, 2016 | 4:46 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — It`s that time of year when city streets are lit up with beautiful displays of Christmas lights, but there are some residents who go above and beyond.

Don Gillespie has been putting up lights for 30 years but since 2008 his focus has been on animated light displays.

“Last year I had 250,000 lights, this year I`m down to about 150,00 but you wouldn`t be able to tell the difference,” said Gillespie. “We got rid of a lot of static stuff. This year my display is completely animated.”

It’s his love of Christmas and encouragement from his wife that first got him into the animated shows which can be viewed in Riverside (5 Ave. & 2 St. NW).

“I always wanted to take it to the next level,” he said. “And it’s not just about Christmas music, it’s lights to music.”

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One of this year’s light shows features music from Star Wars which Gillespie says is his favourite. But as fun as it is, he admits it takes a long time to put together.

“It takes me a year to put together, because it’s the sequencing that takes all the time.” he said.

It’s something Rob Macniven understands well. Inspired by Gillespie’s annual displays, Macniven has been setting up lights to music for the past two years.

“It takes about four hours of programming for every minute of song,” said Macniven. The display in Southridge (Stanfield Way SE) is set to 9 songs and runs for about 35 minutes.

There are still those though who stick with a more traditional display of lights without music. Ryan Haberstock works with his daughter each year to create a winter wonderland in their yard with candy canes, snowmen and reindeer (Turner Cres. SE).

“Initially it was just lights on the roof line of the house, but it started evolving over the years,” said Haberstock.

“Ever year I tell him, oh there’s a green space, let’s fill that,” said his daughter Megan.

Each year the two work together on the display.

“It’s kind of a bonding time,” said Megan adding that it’s cool when people stop by to admire their work.

“That’s what it’s all for,” said Haberstock. “Christmas spirit and everything.”

All those who set up lights say the community is what keeps them going and people are encouraged to drop by to admire the displays.

Gillespie says his place is most popular on Christmas eve when Santa stops by and hands out candy canes, but he adds people are welcome any time. He also encourages people to leave a donation for the Medicine Hat Food Bank.

“All our donations go to the Brown Bag Lunch Program. We want all kids to have a great meal.”